Annual Report 2013/14 and Mid-Term Development Plan
Current as of 19 September 2014
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Table of Contents
FROM THE DIRECTOR 4
1. OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK 6
2. ORGANISATION AND FINANCING 7
3. ACTIVITIES IN 2013-2014 8
3.1. Teaching 8
3.1.1. Lectures and seminars 8
3.1.2. Teaching in continuing education programmes and summer/
winter schools 10
3.1.3. Diploma theses 11
3.1.4. Conclusion 11
3.2. Programmes 11
3.2.1. Overview of REEES programmes and project activities 11
3.2.2. Projects completed in 2013-14 12
3.2.2.1. MOVE 12 3.2.2.2. EULISC and EULINC 14
3.2.3. Projects ongoing 16 3.2.3.1. ELEVATE 16 3.2.3.2. EMPOWER 18 3.2.3.3. INSPIRE 19
3.3. Publications 21
3.3.1. Monographs and conference proceedings 21
3.3.2. REEES Working Paper Series 22
3.3.3. Journals 23
3.3.3.1. Review of Central and East European Law 23 2
3.3.3.2. Wider Europe Journal of Law & Politics 24
3.4. Grant applications 24
3.5. Student and staff mobility 25
3.6. Participation of REEES staff in meetings and conferences 26
3.7. Outreach / “Science to Public” 28
4. MID-TERM DEVELOPMENT PLAN 29
4.1. Grant applications 29
4.1.1. Horizon 2020 29
4.1.2. Erasmus+ 29
4.1.3. ERA.Net RUS Plus 30
4.2. Outreach 30
4.2.1. Association for European Studies for the Caucasus 30
4.2.2. Review of Central and East European Law 32
5. ANNEXES
ANNEX 1: Founding Declaration
ANNEX 2: Statute of the Advisory Board
ANNEX 3: Table of contents “Moving Beyond ‘Kosovo’”
ANNEX 4: Invitation to join CASCADE research network
ANNEX 5: Flyer Winter School EULINC 2014
ANNEX 6: Flyer Summer School EULISC 2014
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FROM THE DIRECTOR
It is appropriate to consider autumn 2014 as a kind of turning-point in the institutional history of REEES. It has been only one year that the Centre is working with a Director holding a full-time posi- tion. By November 2014, the evaluation of the Centre will start, and only based on its results will the Rectorate decide on the Centre’s future. So the final year ahead is fraught with uncertainty regarding long-term projects, but also in a more general sense due to the changing geo-political framework and the prospects for developing existing partnerships further.
The study of “East European Law” used to be a product of the era of the Cold War. As the crisis in Ukraine has increased international tensions, a more nuanced approach to studying “the East” is necessary. REEES has been among the first research institutions to recognize Eurasian integration as an independent field of study. It has also cultivated interdisciplinary approaches to Russia including the North Caucasus, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. Nowhere is Russia a monolithic actor, and even the Eurasian Economic Union that will enter into effect by 1 January 2015 is characterised more by fissures and fault lines than by the kind of inter-presidentialism promised by the Kremlin.
It seems that the agenda for critical research into Russia and Eurasia has been constantly growing. Cross-cutting issues such as religion, gender, security and minorities offer a rich perspective; among the many established players in Europe with a strong background in social sciences, the legal exper- tise offered by REEES is much appreciated. In particular, REEES is currently asked to become a part- ner in a number of Horizon 2020 projects, and it is also increasingly asked to provide briefings and expert advice for various political players.
As for the future, this annual report contains a mid-term development plan that is in line with the Agreement on Goals and Deliverables (Ziel- und Leistungsvereinbarungen) concluded on 10th Febru- ary 2014 with the Dean’s Office and covering the period until the end of 2015. For a bolder vision, REEES is currently engaging with the Centre for EU-Russia Studies of the University of Tartu (CEURUS) as well with the Uppsala Centre for Russian and Eurasian Studies of the University of Uppsala (UCRS) to form a network of research centres. In parallel, REEES is building connections to some of the lead- ing U.S. players, such as the Centre of Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies of Georgetown University (CERES) which also oversees Turkish Studies at Georgetown University. At the University of Graz, it was also decided to enhance Turkish Studies, but in the framework of the Centre for South- east European Studies.
Traditionally, at the end of these introductory words my thanks go out to Dean Prof. Josef Marko and his committed team, especially to Dr. Doris Vones-Faschalleg. It may seem trite, but there is no bet- ter way of saying it than by repeating the words from last year’s annual report: “Their inventiveness and untiring hard work has made many things possible that otherwise would have been unthinka-
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ble.” We also thank our friends and colleagues who contribute to the 270+ members of the REEES Facebook group and the many friends from Grodno to Vladivostok.
Graz, September 2014
Thomas Krüßmann, Director
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1. OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK
The Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies Centre (REEES) at the Law Faculty of the University of Graz complements the long-standing regional focus of the University of Graz towards South-Eastern Europe. It was created to adopt a regional approach and realize projects with regard to Russia, the South Caucasus and Central Asia (the “target areas”).
Its objective is to act as a catalyst in defining an international and intercultural research agenda with a view to fostering linkages between academic research and policy-oriented practical interventions. Its initial task was to optimise existing potentials for research programmes and project expertise within the Law Faculty of the University of Graz related to the target areas, to be followed by com- prehensive inter-disciplinary research programmes both within the University of Graz and with aca- demic partners, government and non-government organisations as well as other stakeholders in the target areas.
The vision of REEES is to transcend the boundaries of doctrinal scholarship and to rise to the com- plexity of social and cultural relations that form the background against which law operates. It, there- fore, adopts a holistic approach to law, in particular with regard to the intercultural dimensions of collaborative work with a broad variety of players from the target areas.
REEES manages its work at an advanced scientific level in research, education and training. The activi- ties are carried out in the form of programmes and projects. REEES promotes the transfer of knowledge by disseminating its research results to intergovernmental and governmental institutions or agencies that are responsible for implementing co-operation strategies domestically and / or in- ternationally.
As for the geographical target areas of REEES, the specific country-approach may vary, but apart from bilateral issues as defined from the perspective of the Republic of Austria, regional approaches in line with the relevant EU strategies are given preference. The definition of target areas does not preclude that activities cover neighbouring countries (such as Afghanistan, Iran, and others) and the relevant regions in a wider context (e.g. Middle East) as well.
In addition to its regional focus, REEES seeks to strengthen its ties with the United Nations (in par- ticular UNIDO, UNODC and UN Women) and the EU as well as with other intergovernmental organi- sations such as the Council of Europe, OECD, OSCE, IOM and IACA, and a variety of non-governmental organisations.
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2. ORGANISATION AND FINANCING
REEES is a Faculty Centre under § 15 of the organisation plan of the University of Graz. It is chaired by a Director. According to its founding declaration, its staff includes programme officers and secretarial support. Depending on external funding there are prae-doc as well as post-doc researchers working on individual projects.
The core staff of REEES during the reporting period was as follows:
Director (full-time) Thomas Krüßmann, Prof. Dr., LL.M. Senior Researcher (full-time) Benedikt Harzl, Mag. iur., M.A. Junior Researcher (part-time) Zurab Simonishvili, Mag. iur. (until December 2013) Ani Harutyunyan, B.A., M.A. (from January 2014 onward) Office Manager (part-time) Elena Scharbanov, Mag. phil.
Programme Officers none
An important part of the REEES operations lies with student assistants and interns. They are the “ambassadors” and the face of REEES, and they help to connect it to their home countries. In this respect Alsu Garaeva (Tatarstan / Russian Federation) and Meerim Aidarova (Kyrgyzstan) formed an integral part of the entire team. In 2013/14 the student team was supported by Aray Kurmangaly, Akmor Ualiyeva (both from Kazakhstan) and Sara Hierzer (Austria) as interns.
The Advisory Board of REEES serves as an important link with the United Nations and various other international and non-governmental organisations. Currently, all members of the Advisory Board are appointed by the Rector of the University of Graz for a period of five years. For the term beginning on 5 November 2012 the composition of the Board is as follows: Dr. iur. habil. Slawomir Redo (Poland), formerly UN Senior Crime Prevention and Criminal Jus- tice Expert (chairperson); Mr. Michael Platzer (USA), Liaision Officer of the Academic Council of the United Nations Sys- tem and Chair Vienna NGO Alliance for Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice; Mr. Walter Kemp (Canada), Director for Europe and Central Asia, International Peace Insti- tute; Mr. Dejan Keserović (Serbia), IOM Coordinator for Central Asia - Chief of Mission in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
In addition, Mr. Alexandre Schmidt (UNODC) and Mr. Jacek Cukrowski resp. Mr. Franz Brugger (UNIDO) joined the Advisory Board with an observer status. The next regular Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for 12 September 2014 at the Vienna International Centre.
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The budgetary responsibility for REEES lies with the University of Graz. It provides funding for the REEES core staff and the hiring of student assistants. Additional funding is provided by the University of Graz through project-related tenders (e.g. start-up funding for applications for EU project applica- tions) as well as through grants from other institutions.
3. ACTIVITIES IN 2013-14
3.1 Teaching
3.1.1. Lectures and seminars
During the academic year 2013-14 REEES for the first time delivered a full teaching load. The goal was to offer lectures and seminars that were not only cross-cutting in subject matter, but also open to students of other disciplines such as Slavic Studies, Transcultural Communications, Global Studies and Gender Studies, and also offering an attractive venue for Erasmus students from all over the world.
The flagship class developed by Prof. Krüßmann was the German-language “Introduction to Russian Law” (Einführung in das russische Recht). This class was offered both in the winter term 2013/14 and in the summer term 2014 and drew an amazingly large amount of students (approx. 30 each semes- ter) with no or hardly any previous knowledge of Russia. The class was structured in a way that it took a variety of approaches to Russian law (from studying Russian proverbs to legal realism ap- proaches) and then focused on the current re-traditionalisation in Russian society to which the law contributed. This class is cross-listed with Slavic Studies and regularly draws a smaller amount of stu- dents who specialize in cultural studies.
The second class was the seminar “Introduction to the World of Anti-Corruption”. Taught in English and placed in an interdisciplinary setting, the seminar offered an introduction to compliance and developed a tool kit for anti-corruption legislators. It proved to be increasingly attractive to Global Studies and Erasmus students while the share of Austrian students remained fairly low. By the winter term 2014/15 this class will be formally cross-listed for Global Studies.
The third class was the seminar “Gender and the Law. Global Standards and Implementation Chal- lenges“. Taught in the winter term 2013/14 for the first time, it really profited from the support of the Aigner Rollet visiting professor and renowned gender specialist Marina Blagoević (Hughson) who gave an introductory lecture which was also recorded on video. The class itself was taught as a block seminar in the course of a few days, involving not only other REEES staff (Ani Harutyunyan with a unit on women in international criminal law and Benedikt Harzl with a background lecture on the Geor- 8
gian-Abkhaz conflict), but also by an invited NGO practitioner, Maia Targamadze (President of Youth Center Svaneti), who visited from Georgia to report on NGO initiatives in the frozen conflict scenarios of Georgia. For the winter term 2014/15 this class will be renamed “(Wo-)men at the Frontlines of Global Change” to avoid overlap with the lecture “Gender and the Law” by Prof. Prettenthaler- Ziegerhofer. By the winter term 2014/15 this class will also be formally cross-listed for interdiscipli- nary gender studies. In connection with this seminar, Nino Nozadze, a graduate of the Interdiscipli- nary Master Programme in Gender Studies, is currently preparing a publication in the REEES Public Policy Research Papers series entitled “Domestic Violence in Georgia: What Effect of the Ratification of the Istanbul Convention?”
The fourth class was the seminar “Law and Politics in the Post-Soviet Space”. This class was taught together with Benedikt Harzl in the winter term 2013/14 and by Prof. Krüßmann alone in the summer term 2014. It aimed at a comprehensive treatment of the most salient issues that the countries of the post-Soviet space have faced since the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991: state and nation building, democratisation, constitutional developments, security challenges, relations with the EU, conflict management, and changing gender relations. The course adopted a comparative approach and traced differences and communalities in the development of the states. A particular focus was on problems resulting from Communist legacies. The special focus of the summer term 2014 was the Euromaidan events and its main players. Both seminars led respectively will lead to publications in the REEES Public Policy Research Papers series. From the 2013/14 seminar Ross St. Clair Gower pub- lished “The Rise and Fall of Russian Treaty Activism in the Post-Soviet Space”, from the 2014 seminar Camille Boillet, Astrid Kaltenegger and Courtney Trevascus are currently preparing a publication enti- tled “Die Like a Phoenix. The Heroes of Euromaidan”.
In the winter term 2013/14 Benedikt Harzl taught the seminar “Human Rights: Minority Protection and Conflict Management”. This course dealt with the complexities of human and minority rights and diversity management in the post-Soviet space, mainly through discussion of the international and interregional protection mechanisms of international organisations, while the role of states was critically assessed as well. Moreover, the wide range of linguistic, educational and political rights to be found in different national constitutional systems of these countries were explored. An additional attempt was made to clarify how ethno-national legacies of the past can be overcome, and how they proved critical in the formation of exclusive identities leading to conflicts in the early 1990s. Particu- lar importance was in this context attached to the concept of de facto statehood in the Black Sea region. The discussion of the legal, political and economic consequences of the existence of these entities was met with high attention by the students. From this seminar Hans Wolfschwenger is cur- rently preparing a publication in the REEES Public Policy Research Papers series entitled “The Russian Dimension in the Transnistriya Conflict”.
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Also in the winter term 2013/14 Zurab Simonishvili offered the seminar “Current Issues in Economic Law in Russia, Ukraine, and the Baltic States”. In this class students were introduced to a number of case studies and problems from the laws of the countries under observation. The goal was to ac- quaint students with some critical differences of the laws under consideration when compared to European economic and corporate law.
Ani Harutyunyan who joined REEES by the end of the winter term 2013/14 was unfortunately too late to be considered for teaching in the ongoing term. However, in the summer term 2014 she co- lectured in the framework of “Gender and the Law. Global Standards and Implementation Chal- lenges“.
3.1.2. Teaching in continuing education programmes and summer / winter schools
Outside the regular teaching, REEES continued to be involved in the Joint Degree University Pro- gramme “Business Law and Economic Cooperation between the EU and Russia”. When the curricu- lum was finally approved in late summer 2013, it was already too late to conduct an advertising cam- paign and start the teaching process by October 2013, as had been originally anticipated. The start is now planned for October 2014, although the increasing political crisis between the EU and Russia presents a serious challenge to the successful start of the programme. In addition, Prof. Tomislav Borić resigned from the task as programme director, so that Prof. Krüßmann as his deputy had to take over this function. Also in 2014, the LL.M. programme “Master in South East European Law & European Integration” was cancelled so that Prof. Krüßmann will no longer be teaching the anti- corruption class for this audience. However, there is still one candidate who is re-taking the anti- corruption class exam in order to successfully complete the programme. Furthermore Prof. Krüßmann is involved in the supervision of a small number of master theses.
REEES staff was involved in teaching activities of other summer and winter schools. In July 2013, Ben- edikt Harzl offered classes in remedial secession and de facto statehood in the South Caucasus within the annual summer school on diversity management, organized by the European Academy of Bo- zen/Bolzano. Benedikt Harzl will also be teaching in the upcoming Winter School on Federalism and Governance, organized by the European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano and the University of Innsbruck. This event is scheduled for February 2015.
A significant amount of teaching was also done in the framework of the winter school “EU Law in the North Caucasus” (EULINC) and the summer school “EU Law in the South Caucasus” (EULISC). Both Benedikt Harzl and Ani Harutyunyan were involved in these two projects, along with staff from the Institute of European Law of the University of Graz. Both projects will be described in greater detail below (at 3.2.2.2.).
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3.1.3. Diploma theses
As a result of the REEES regular teaching, Prof. Krüßmann is supervising one law student in her di- ploma thesis “The Law of Surrogate Motherhood in Russia”, talks with a second interested students are on the way.
3.1.4. Conclusion
Overall, the REEES teaching during the first year had been very warmly received. However, it needs to be kept in mind that the classes offered, even if they are cross-listed with other fields of studies, do not nearly amount to a systematic curriculum as would be required for a degree programme such as an M.A. in Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies. It should be considered that the Law Facul- ty while serving as an important point of departure, might not the most logical springboard for such a programme, and that an institutionalised integration with other programmes and lecturers of the University of Graz should be sought. It is suggested to use the instrument of “affiliation” or “affiliate professors” to put REEES on a broader footing within the University.
3.2 Programmes
3.2.1 Overview of REEES programmes and project activities
The activities of REEES are characterized by programmes which serve as the Centre’s signature activi- ties. Very often there is multiple funding, sometimes there is also a lack of funding, but the purpose is to develop one specific line of activities in a coherent manner without being overly distracted by the quest for funding. Within programmes, but also outside of programmes, there can be projects. By structuring the work of REEES in a project-based way, individual tasks can be assigned and teams of researchers can be built. So an individual researcher does not need to be involved in the entire breadth of the Centre’s research activities, but can concentrate on the issues at hand.
The following are the programmes that REEES has developed over time: ELEVATE - enhancing the rule of law in the target region, most centrally by developing a cur- riculum for rule of law education and implementing advanced teaching solutions via e- learning; MOVE - defining the critical lessons of South Eastern Europe’s integration experience with the EU and transferring this experience to the integration/association process of the EU with Moldova and the countries of the Southern Caucasus;
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EMPOWER – to understand socio-economic transformation processes in Central Asia through analysis of the role of women.
In the academic year 2013/14, one new programme was added to this list: INSPIRE – taking up the issue of Islamisation in Russia as well as in Central Asia and answering to some of the most burning challenges that are brought about by labour migration in the post-Soviet context.
In addition, EULISC and EULINC have evolved from stand-alone events into an integrated system of teaching EU Law and Conflict Resolution both in the North and the South Caucasus.
3.2.2. Projects completed in 2013-14
3.2.2.1 MOVE
The MOVE project which had repeatedly been described in previous annual reports has finally come to completion. All papers except one have been completed and re-worked (due to the considerable time lapsed since their original writing). On 12th July 2014, during the opening ceremony of the sum- mer school EULISC in Batumi, a pre-print of the book was handed over to Georgia’s State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Mr. Alex Petriashvili, as well as to the Head of the EU Delegation in Georgia, H.E. Ambassador Philip Dimitrov.
During the final revisions the title of the book was changed to “Moving Beyond ‘Kosovo’. EU Integra- tion for Moldova and the South Caucasus”. In the title, the reference to Kosovo is not a geographical one, but refers to the supposed precedent in international law that the recognition of Kosovo’s inde- pendence from Serbia by Western governments set. Russia is now widely referring to the “Kosovo precedent” when justifying its activities in Crimea, Eastern Ukraine, and the frozen conflicts of Trans- nistriya, South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The book also received a preface by the Styrian Minister for Economic Affairs, Europe and Culture, Dr. Christian Buchmann. For a full table of contents please refer to Annex 5.3.
Unfortunately, after finishing the pre-print another two months were spent idle. It had been agreed that the book should be published as a joint publication of Grazer Universitätsverlag and Tbilisi State University Press. Tbilisi State University, represented by the Director of the Centre for Europe-
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an Studies Nino Lapiashvili, agreed to provide funding for this publication. However, this funding never materialized. It was then decided to switch back to the original plan and publish the book with LIT Verlag in Austria / Germany / Switzerland in the series “Grazer Beiträge zum Recht der Länder Südosteuropas und der Europäischen Integration”. Most importantly, LIT Verlag will provide a plan to make the book accessible in Russia and the countries of the South Caucasus.
One project de facto aligned with MOVE was realized when REEES was asked by the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Austria to provide a briefing paper for a trip of Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaidjanin autumn 2014. This briefing paper entitled “Die Europäische Union und der Südkaukasus. ‚State of Play‘ und Auswirkungen der Ukraine-Krise“ was prepared by the REEES team in a very short time; it provided a background not only for the Minister, but also for the journalists accompanying him. In addition, now there are plans to offer an in-house seminar for the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs senior staff on the upcoming crisis in Moldova during early October 2014.
Closely related to REEES’ interests in the South Caucasus is the question how the A-DIALOGUE con- sortium can be utilized in the future. The original plan was to continue collaboration with the re- searchers forming part of this consortium, and to create a so-called South Caucasus Study Group devoted to a book with the following tentative chapter titles:
1) The South Caucasus at the Crossroads: A highly contested area and its contemporary chal- lenges Proposed author: Dr. Thomas De Waal, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Brus- sels.
2) State-building in the South Caucasus: Features of civic and ethnic connotations Proposed author: Prof. Bruno Coppetiers, Free University of Brussels.
3) Understanding Security in the South Caucasus: Internal and External Actors Proposed author: Dr. Wolfgang Zellner, OSCE CORE research center, Hamburg.
4) The interplay between North and South Caucasus in terms of security Proposed author: N.N., NUPI, Oslo.
5) The EU’s role in regional security and the promotion of democracy Proposed author: Dr. Nathalie Tocci, IAI, Rome.
6) The EU’s role in conflict resolution: Moving beyond existing approaches Proposed author: Dr. Oliver Wolleh, Berghof Center, Berlin.
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7) De facto states: Legal and political challenges Proposed author(s): N.N., Uni Graz, REEES
8) The triangle between state-building, democratization and security in the South Caucasus Proposed author: Dr. Archil Gegeshidze, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, at present ambassador of the Republic of Georgia to the USA.
9) Economic and Social Challenges: The role of the EU Proposed author: Dr. Giorgio Comai, Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso, Rovereto.
10) Statehood, Nationalism and Security: The case of Georgia Proposed author: Prof. Ghia Nodia, Caucasus Institute for Peace, Democracy and Develop- ment, Tbilisi; former Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Georgia. 11) Between Russia and the EU: The case of Armenia Proposed author: Dr. Arthur Atanesyan, Yerevan State University.
12) Economic recovery and its influence on democracy dynamics: The case of Azerbaijan Proposed author: N.N., Qafqaz University of Baku.
This original strategy is now being re-considered because the consortium that won the FP7 call “Se- curity and Democracy in the Neighbourhood: The South Caucasus” has invited REEES to collaborate in a project that is now called “Cascade. Exploring the Security-Democracy Nexus in the South Cau- casus” (see
3.2.2.2. EULISC and EULINC
Originally conceived of as separate projects, the two schools have increasingly developed into a co- herent system of offering teaching on EU Law and Conflict Resolution in the Caucasus. For the future it is planned to include the schools in the activities of the proposed Association of European Studies for the Caucasus (see mid-term development plan at 4.2.1.)
EULINC was offered in co-operation with the North-Caucasus Federal University of Stavropol’ (SKFU) and with the Pyatigorsk branch of SKFU in the time period 2nd to 13th February 2014. Most remarka- 14
bly, amid early signs of crisis between the EU and Russia, the EU Delegation to the Russian Federa- tion delivered a video address that was shown during the opening ceremony and which received much attention. In the address, the complex relations between Russia and the EU were highlighted and the EU’s commitment to the promotion of conflict resolution and peace building not only within but also beyond its borders was reaffirmed. Present at the opening ceremony was the First Deputy- Rector of SKFU, a representative of the Pyatigorsk City Duma, the deputy-head of the Pyatigorsk City Administration, the director of the Pyatigorsk Branch of SKFU, the directors of the SKFU Legal Insti- tute and the Pyatigorsk Branch of SKFU.
The lectures at EULINC were delivered both by lecturers from the University of Graz as well as from Russia, in general, and the SKFU, in particular. The lectures covered not only topics of EU Law and integration, but also legal issues with a relevance to Russia and the region. Topics included the histo- ry of EU integration (taught by Aiste Mickonyte, University of Graz), EU external policies and EU- Russia relations (taught by Elizaveta Samoilova, University of Graz), the EU and conflict management with a special focus on the post-Soviet space and existing legal frameworks and challenges (taught by Benedikt Harzl, University of Graz), problems and opportunities of Russia’s international economic relations, WTO and new economic integration prospects in the Eurasian region (taught by Natalia Tyurina, Kazan Federal University), problems emerging from the status of refugees and IDP’s in the territory of Russia (taught by Anna Avanesova, SKFU), problems of the unification of the civil law in Russia and the EU (taught by Viktoriya Savina, SKFU). For a detailed list of lectures see the EULINC flyer at Annex 5.5.) Ani Harutyunyan who was not formally affiliated with REEES at the time, deliv- ered a guest lecture on the operation of the International Criminal Court, its current and possible involvement in the region and the EU policy towards the universalisation of the Court. Another guest lecture was given by Vadim Bondarenko (judge at the city of Saratov) who focused on practical chal- lenges of applications of laws.
One major accomplishment of EULINC was that with the help in the form of tutoring offered by the lecturers, the students of EULINC conducted independent research and presented their papers at several panels and were involved in discussions on the current challenges of the EU-Russia relations, the (at that time emerging) crisis in Ukraine and possible solutions.
EULISC was realized already for the second time, and again with Batumi Shota Rustaveli State Univer- sity (BSU) as the main partner. This year around, the school also received financing from the EU Jean Monnet programme as a teaching module which REEES had helped to win. Similar to EULINC, the school opened ceremonially with a number of speeches, first of all by the Georgian State Minister of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Mr. Alex Petriashvili, as well as by the Head of the EU Del- egation to Georgia, H.E. Ambassador Philip Dimitrov. Compared to EULINC, the opening ceremony also offered a keynote speech delivered by the Dean of Yeditepe Law School of Istanbul and Presi-
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dent of the European Federation of Law Faculties, Prof. Dr. Haluk Kabaalioglu. The latter is a re- nowned expert in EU Law and a Jean Monnet Professor himself.
EULISC provided a multidimensional survey of the present development of EU Law and the dimen- sion of EU external relations. Whereas the basic ‘package’ of modules on the evolution and politics of European integration (taught by Aiste Mickonyte), foundations of EU law (taught by Dr. Lorin- Johannes Wagner) and external relations of the EU (taught by Prof. Hubert Isak) contributed to an increased understanding of the EU, the particular situation of the EU within the context of the South Caucasus was addressed as well. The modules on legal aspects of security in the South Caucasus (taught by Benedikt Harzl) and security in the South Caucasus (taught by Prof. Armen Baibourtian) were crucial in connecting the EU dimension to the contemporary challenges which this region is facing. For a detailed list of topics please refer to Annex 5.6.
The intercultural dimension provided by the summer school’s internationally diverse student popula- tion has become one of the most rewarding features of students’ learning experience. Many differ- ent nationalities from all over the world were represented in the student body, creating the condi- tions most conducive to intercultural and social interaction. EULISC’s formula of holistic learning – intellectual pursuit and creative exercises in a setting of intercultural and social exchange – helped to reinforce mutual respect and tolerance among participants. This was exemplified by a thrilling role play at the end of the summer school, provided by Ani Harutyunyan.
Systematically, the two schools are now linked by an international student conference that will be held on 4th October 2014 in the framework of the so-called Grand Eurasian Semester Opening at the University of Graz for the first time. Learning from the EULISC experience, the summer schools have not only become increasingly interactive, but have also developed an agenda of stimulating students to develop research designs on EU Law. It will be in Graz that students will meet again to present their refined designs. An additional effect is that participants from Georgia who were effectively pre- vented from joining EULINC (due to tightened border controls in connection with the Sochi Olympic Games) are now able to meet with their counterparts.
3.2.3 Projects ongoing
3.2.3.1 ELEVATE
ELEVATE had previously focused on e-learning tools in providing rule of law education. Since it proved to be impossible to obtain funding for the proposed rule of law moot court, activities within ELEVATE shifted towards issues of corruption, transparency and accountability as a precondition for 16
rule of law. As a kind of ground work for this research agenda, the class “Protection against Bribery and Corruption”, traditionally taught in the framework of the LL.M. programme “Master in South East European Law & European Integration”, was adapted for general teaching under the new name of “Introduction to the World of Anti-Corruption” (see 3.1.). As mentioned before, this class was taught for the first time during the winter term 2013/14.
A second project in the framework of ELEVATE was launched to- gether with colleagues from the National Research University / Higher School of Economics (HSE). By the end of the year 2013 HSE had announced an internal competition for creating a number of so-called International Research Laboratories. REEES teamed up with a group of researchers at HSE’s Higher School of Jurispru- dence, to develop a proposal for an International Research Labora- tory “Institutional Analysis of Conflicts of Interests”. Unfortunate- ly, this proposal did not win financing.
Finally, REEES is now in contact with the Far East Federal University of Vladivostok (DVFU) where a similar laboratory is under consideration. Contacts are based on earlier work of the REEES’ Director Prof. Krüßmann with Prof. Dr. Vitalij Nomokonov. Nomokonov had for many years managed one of the Russian Transnational Crime and Corruption Centres which were primarily sponsored by the United States. Funding, however, has stopped, so that the DVFU Law Faculty is now considering to develop a Laboratory “Anti-Corruption Forecast in the Asian-Pacific Space”. Prof. Nomokonov also submitted a research report entitled «Борьба с коррупцией в России: первые итоги» (“Fight against Corruption in Russia: First Lessons”) which will be published in the REEES Public Policy Re- search Papers series.
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3.2.3.2 EMPOWER
Following up on the international conference “Women in Modern Central Asia” which was covered in previous annual reports, out of the 30+ participants who presented papers the necessary min- imum amount of authors could be convinced to try and develop a special issue on gender of the renowned journal Central Asian Survey. The editor-in-chief, Prof. Deniz Kandiyoti of the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, provided invaluable sup- port and encouragement to go through the peer-review process
required for publication.
During summer 2014 the in-house editorial revisions by Prof. Krüßmann were completed and all pa- pers were submitted to Prof. Kandiyoti for external peer review: 1. Alma Sultangaliyeva: Women and Religion in Post-Soviet Kazakhstan. A View from Within; 2. Benjamin Quasinowski /Bahyt Muratbayeva: Vernacularization of “Gender” in Kazakhstan: A Microethnograpzic View on Interactions in the Workplace of an International Development Organization; 3. Asel Murzakulova: Searching for Social Justice: The Problem of Women Joining Religious Ex- tremist Organisations in Kyrgystan; 4. Gulnara Ibraeva / Anara Moldosheva / Mehrigiul Ablezova: Changing Gender Relations in Kyrgyzstan, seen through Media Representations of Violence: The Case of Sapargul; 5. Juliette Cleuzio: Polygyny in Tajikistan: Ideological Contortions, Economic Realities and Everyday Life Practices; 6. Mahabat Sadyrbek: “There is no State in this Country” – Legal and Social Treatment of Marital Rape in Kyrgyzstan; 7. Sandra Mack: Constructing Post-Soviet Identities. An Analysis of Representations of Bride Kidnapping in Kyrgyz Cinema; 8. Shakhnoza Ayupova: Labour Migration to Russia: New Rules and New Roles. The papers are preliminarily available at
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A second project in the framework of EMPOWER was the confer- ence “Promoting Gender Equality Abroad: An Assessment of EU Action in the External Dimension” which took place from 27th to 29th November 2013. The conference attracted generous funding from a variety of donours and brought to Graz an exquisite group of researchers who investigated the given topic from a variety of per-
spectives.
Unfortunately, due to the fact that Dr. Larissa Ogertschnig who was the mastermind behind the con- ference had left REEES and could not play the guiding role in the editorial process that she had origi- nally assumed, the publication of the conference papers was delayed. The process is now resumed in co-operation with Ms. Katja Haslwanter of UNI-ETC who is a lawyer and gender specialist interested primarily in development work.
3.2.3.3. INSPIRE
As explained before, INSPIRE is the youngest addition to the list of REEES’ programmes. The influ- ence of Islam is of growing importance for the development of the post-Soviet space. This is true first of all for Russia which always comprised developed Islamic communities (esp. in Tatarstan); in addition the perennial conflicts of the North Caucasus, in particular the forceful subjugation of Chechnya, led to a resurgence of Islam. This is also true for Central Asia which is characterized by a marked re-Islamisation (Kazakhstan being the exception). This tendency is very often seen as threat- ening because it goes along with the ISAF troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, scheduled for the year 2014. It is widely expected that Taliban groupings will then be expanding beyond the borders of Af- ghanistan. The developments in both regions submerge through labour migration which saw millions of citizens of the Central Asian Republics seeking work in Russia.
INSPIRE is a framework for critically analysing the abovementioned processes. Although it is impossi- ble to study Islamic law without a proper understanding of Islam itself, there is ample scope for non- specialist lawyers to study the sharia from a historical and comparative legal perspective and thus to come to a deeper understanding of the development processes in the post-Soviet space.
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Research will be focused, among others, on the following topics: The secular state, state-law relations of the Russian Orthodox Church, the legal position of the muftiates and the policies flowing from this setup, esp. the campaigning for a "so- cial Islam"; Sharia and the legal order; the opening of a “window” for Islamic banking and insurances; re-Islamization in Central Asia and the resurgence of customary law (adat); the effects of re-Islamization on the legal and social position of women (cf. EMPOWER); commonalities and differences in the development of Islam in the regions (Tatarstan, Crimea, Northern Caucasus) and in the countries of Central Asia; legal aspects of combating Islamist extremism.
Against this background, a first venturing into the world of Islam in Russia was accomplished when Prof. Krüßmann and Alsu Garaeva attended the III. International Scholarly Forum “Islam in a Multi- cultural World”, hosted by Kazan Federal University (KFU) in November 2013. Prof. Krüßmann deliv- ered a talk on “New Standards in Islamic Financing in Austria” (in Russian) that was adapted from an earlier publication by Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Willibald Posch. Subsequently, this presentation was published among the conference proceedings under the title “Islamic Insurance in Austria” by Posch / Krüßmann (see 3.3.1.). Currently, participation of Prof. Krüßmann in the IV. International Scholarly Forum “Islam in Europe. Adaptation and Integration of Muslim Communities” is planned.
A second project related to INSPIRE was realized in the framework of the Faculty Day 2014 which was held in May 2014. As one of the parallel working groups Prof. Krüßmann developed a concept to look into blasphemy laws in a comparative perspective. Based on the Pussy Riot case study which forms an integral part of the teaching in “Einführung in das russische Recht” (see 3.1.), a distin- guished panel was invited to shed light on the topic from a variety of perspectives. Krüßmann’s talk on blasphemy laws in Russia was complemented by Dr. Baris Erman of Yeditepe University who gave a presentation on “The Offence of Blasphemy in Turkish Law”, Dr. h.c. Norbert Feldhoff, the head of the administration of Cologne Cathedral, on pro-Pussy Riot Protest in the Cathedral and how the administration coped with this and similar challenges, and last but not least Rose Flemming, the fa- mous cultural editor of Jyllands-Posten who was in charge of publishing the Muhammad cartoons in Denmark in 2005. The working group was characterised by lively discussions, esp. with students and visitors with an Islamic background. The manuscripts of the workshop were collected and edited by Prof. Krüßmann; they will be published in the conference proceedings of the Faculty Day 2014 (see 3.3.1.).
A third project called “Re-Visiting the Euro-Islam Debate” is the continuation of a RISE project appli- cation that was aborted due to difficulties with participant feedback. The original goal of this project was to connect the discussions around Euro-Islam which are critical in the debate of Islam in Ta-
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tarstan and most prominently developed by Rafael Khakimov, with the Euro-Islam debate which was famously led in the mid-2000 years between Bassam Tibi and Tariq Ramadan. Connecting the expe- rience of moderate Islam in Russia with the study of Muslim identities in Europe is an approach that has never been pursued before. In the INSPIRE framework this research will be primarily a legal one, delving into legal history and asking how historic Islam in Europe (Turkey, Bosnia) has migrated to the EU (primarily Austria and Germany) to see the amount of adaptation that was possible in the legal institutes and compare this picture to Russia.
In order to realize this project a first workshop was held at the University of Graz on 18th June 2014 which followed up on a workshop held on 17th June 2014 at Vienna University (Prof. Dr. Richard Potz). Participants in the Graz meeting included: Dr. Leonid Syukiyaynen (full professor, National Research University / Higher School of Eco- nomics); Ilsur Salikhov (Deputy Dean of the Law Faculty of Kazan’ Federal University); Philipp Farid Suleiman (Doctoral student at University Erlangen-Nuremberg) via skype; Rana Alsoufi (Post-doc researcher at University Erlangen-Nuremberg) via skype; Esra Yakut (Professor at Anadolu University, Turkey) via skype.
In parallel to the Graz meeting, Prof. Krüßmann managed to involve Prof. Dr. Mathias Rohe (Universi- ty Erlangen-Nuremberg), Dr. Manuher Kudratov (Institute for East European Law, Regensburg) and Prof. Marie-Claire Foblets (Director, Max-Planck-Institute for Social Anthropology). It is now under discussion to organise a study trip to the University Erlangen-Nuremberg and to the Max Planck Insti- tute for Social Anthropology in Halle.
3.3 Publications
3.3.1. Monographs and conference proceedings
During 2013 / 2014 much of the effort devoted to publications had been invisible. The reason for this was twofold: on the one hand, Prof. Krüßmann had predominantly been engaged in stimulating and editing research by junior researchers connected to REEES; on the other hand, there was no major research product forthcoming from the prae-doc assistants of the Centre. Benedikt Harzl is still in the final stages of finishing his dissertation in law while Ani Harutyunyan has not entered a Ph.D. track yet. Two edited publications have now been completed: for “Moving Beyond ‘Kosovo’”, see the de- tailed list of contributions in annex 5.3, for the special issue of “Central Asia Survey” please see the list of topics submitted to external peer-review at 3.2.3.2. Work on publication of the conference proceedings for “Promoting Gender Equality Abroad” is about to start in September 2014. It should be noted that Ani Harutyunyan also formally contributed to “Moving Beyond ‘Kosovo’” by co- authoring the chapter “Turkey, Black Sea and the EU: Where Titans Clash”. 21
In addition to the (often time-consuming) work with junior researchers Prof. Krüßmann published two smaller pieces: together with Prof. Posch) “Исламское страхование в Австрий (Islamic Insurance in Austria), in Ислам в мультикультурном мире: Мусульманские движения и механизмы воспроизводства идеологии ислама в современном информационном пространстве, Казанский университет: Казань 2014, 378-387. „Blasphemie nach ‚Pussy Riot‘: Neufassung des einschlägigen Straftatbestandes in der Russischen Föderation“ (Blasphemy after ‚Pussy Riot‘: Amendment of the relevant criminal offence in the Russian Federation), forthcoming in the conference proceedings of the Faculty Day 2014.
Prof. Krüßmann also became a member of the editorial board of the journal «Гуманитарные и юридические исследования» which is the new journal of the Law Institute of North Caucasus Fed- eral University.
Finally, the monograph “Managing Ethnic Diversity in Russia”, co-edited by Benedikt Harzl and Oleh Protsyk and published by Routledge in 2013 for the first time, has recently become available in pa- perback to satisfy the increasing demand.
3.3.2. REEES Working Paper Series
A major focus of attention was the development of the REEES Working Paper Series, entitled “Public Policy Re- search Papers”. It has become a matter of principle to challenge students with outstanding papers to develop them into a working paper, and also to encourage visiting scholars at REEES to leave a “footprint”. In acting as the series editor of the “Public Policy Research Papers”, Prof. Krüßmann helped to finalise the following two publica- tions:
Ross St. Clair Gower: “The Rise and Fall of Russian Treaty Activism in the Post-Soviet Space” (published 14th March 2014); Zhenis Kembayev: “The Emerging Eurasian Union: Problems and Perspectives” (published 18th July 2014).
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In addition, the following contributions are currently in the pipeline: Hans Wolfschwenger: “The Russian Dimension in the Transnistriya Conflict” Nino Nozadze: “Domestic Violence in Georgia: What Effect of the Ratification of the Istanbul Convention?” Camille Boillet / Astrid Kaltenegger / Courtney Trevascus: “Die Like a Phoenix. The Heroes of Euromaidan” Vitalii Nomokonov: “Fight against Corruption in Russia: First Lessons” Renat Bekkin: “Sharia Control in Islamic Financing: New Ways and Prospects”
The Working Paper Series has not only been expanded in terms of coverage and scholarly ambition, it has also received an attractive layout. Developed in-house and using the traditional “Clash” cover picture, the working papers now carry individual ISBN numbers which make them traceable in inter- national library catalogues. In addition, each working paper is now also published on the Open Access Publication Server of the University of Graz Library.
3.3.3. Journals
3.3.3.1. Review of Central and East European Law
The Journal “Review of Central and East European Law”, published by Brill Nijhoff and edited by Prof. William Simons of the University of Tartu, is one of the most prominent comparative law journal with an indexation both in Web of Science and Scopus, and it is probably the only journal to focus on the law of the region. It has been pub- lished for many decades and is the “sister” of the monograph series “Law in Eastern Europe” which is also managed by Prof. Simons. The journal’s existence has in part been supported by the University of GrazGraz andthrough also byDean the Marko European. Following Academy meetings of Bolzano between through Prof. Dean Krüßmann and Prof. Simons at the Uni- versity of Tartu in the summer of 2014 it was decided to shift the editorial support from Bolzano to Graz. By October 2014 REEES will provide the position of editorial assistant to be filled by Aiste Mickonyte who will take up a part-time position for this. Also, in September 2014 it is planned that Prof. Simons and Prof. Krüßmann will travel to Kazan to discuss a possible funding by Kazan Federal University.
In terms of substantive work, it was agreed that Prof. Krüßmann will act as a guest editor by placing a call for papers for a special issue on “Eurasian integration”. As mentioned before, Eurasian integra- tion is one of the core themes of REEES, and in order to prepare authors for the “Wider Europe Jour-
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nal of Law & Politics” (see 3.3.3.2.) and to create synergies it was decided to launch a special issue of the Review.
3.3.3.2. Wider Europe Journal of Law & Politics
In connection with the plan to create an Association of European Studies for the Caucasus (see mid- term plan at 4.2.1.) REEES proposed to create a new journal called “Wider Europe Journal of Law & Politics). This journal, to be published with Brill Nijhoff alongside the Review, is hoped to become not only the flagship publication for REEES, but also a common platform for the REEES’ partners in the North and South Caucasus as well as in Turkey and even Iran, and it should serve as a model for in- troducing high standards of scholarly achievement.
As proposed by Prof. Krüßmann, the journal’s approach is inter-disciplinary, putting (comparative) law at its center and branching out into the adjacent territories of international relations, security and integration studies. Themes to be covered include: Comparative national law in light of the demands of legal approximation in the European / Eurasian integration context; Domestic legal-political developments to the extent that they impact on the countries’ will- ingness to integrate; Institutions, esp. with a view to the question whether the Eurasian Union will establish a true supranationalism or a mere “inter-presidentialism”; Creation of a single economic space in line with the trade flows, investment activities, etc.; Collective security and relations towards NATO; Geo-strategical interests and players, e.g. U.S. China, Iran, Turkey; EU-Eurasian Union relations and competition for integration.
A journal prospectus has been submitted to Brill Nijhoff in summer 2014, and it is now undergoing an independent peer review.
3.4 Grant applications
As a response to the unsuccessful EU application activities of last year, in the year 2013/14 REEES has scaled back on EU applications for financing. It seems more promising to join some of the major players (which typically do not have much of a legal profile) and add this feature as REEES’ unique selling point. Hence, for the Horizon2020 call INT 8-2015 “The European Union and the Eastern 24
Partnership” REEES is now in contact with a major UK-led consortium (for confidentiality reasons, no more details can be given here). The submission deadline for this call is 28th May 2015 which, of course, poses the problem whether REEES should engage given the expiry of contract for Prof. Krüßmann in the summer of 2015.
REEES is also asked to join a consortium for the Horizon2020 call INT-3-2015: “Europe’s Contribution to a Value-Based Global Order and its Contestants”. The deadline is the same as above, so that also the problem with a long-term commitment is the same. Under the planned title “MINERVA: Minority Rights as an Instrument to Promote Europe as a Global Actor”, REEES will be orchestrating a regional Work Package on the South Caucasus. Other partners in the Consortium are the University of Mid- dlesex (UK) and the European Academy of Bolzano/Bozen (Italy). A first project meeting was already held in September 2014, which was attended by Benedikt Harzl.
As mentioned at 3.2.3.3., REEES initially engaged in an application for a Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE) under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie scheme. The proposed topic of this applica- tion was “Islamic Law in Europe”, the deadline was 24th April 2014. Unfortunately, since for mobility and exchange actions there needs to be a very precise knowledge of who would travel where and for which purpose, the feedback that was received from partners came simply too late to prepare the proposal in time for the deadline. It was then decided to continue the bottom-up process of building a research group while giving it the necessary amount of time.
In addition, REEES frequently applied to the Government of Styria for grants and obtained a variety of funding from various Departments. The total amount of funding obtained in the academic year 2013/14 was € 6.500.
3.5. Student and staff mobility
Intimately linked to the achievement of project goals are delegation visits as well as staff and student mobility. In the time frame 2013-14 the following mobilities were noted:
On 1st October 2013 a group of law students from the Law Faculty of Janka Kupala State University of Grodno (Belarus), headed by Dr. Liliya Abramchik and Kristina Lyashenko of the Belarussian Ministry of Education, visited REEES. They were introduced to the model of legal education in Austria. For the start of the winter term 2013/14 students from the various Erasmus Mundus programmes arrived. In the framework of Euro-Asean CEA consortium Aray Kurmangaly and Akmor Ualieva from Kazakhstan arrived to study at the Law Faculty. They also worked for REEES as interns.
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From 10th to 12th December 2013 REEES hosted a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia which also included academics from Yerevan State Uni- versity. The visit was organised by the German Foundation giz (Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit) in order to give members of the delegation an insight into the Austrian ex- perience of criminal liability imposed on legal persons (Verbandsverantwortlichkeit). On 29th January 2014 Prof. Dr. Renat Bekkin D.Sc. Ph.D. of Kazan Federal University visited REEES and delivered a lecture on “Islamic Finance in non-Muslim Countries. A Case Study of Russia”. The lecture was offered in co-operation with Grazer Juristische Gesellschaft and Steiermärkische Sparkasse. In the time period 3rd to 24th March 2014 Prof. Dr. Zhenis Kembayev from the Law School of KIMEP University (Almaty, Kazakhstan) visited REEES as an Erasmus Mundus exchange fellow. He gave two lectures on Eurasian integration in the framework of the class “Law and Politics in the Post-Soviet Space”, offered a country talk on Kazakhstan (see also 3.7.) and gave a public lecture on “Eurasian Integration and Ukraine – a View from Kazakhstan”. From 18th to 20th March 2014 Prof. Sergiy Nezhurbida, a professor of criminal law and foren- sic sciences at the University of Chernivtsi (Ukraine) visited REEES and taught a class in the framework of the seminar “Law and Politics in the Post-Soviet Space”. On 2nd June 2014 the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Austria, H.E. Kairat Sa- rybay, paid a visit to REEES after meeting with the Governor of Styria. He used the opportuni- ty to meet students from Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries who reside in Styria. By September 2014 the first Erasmus Mundus exchange fellows arrived at REEES for study and research purposes. On 1st September 2014 Ms Madina Yessirkepova, a PhD student at the Law Faculty of Eurasian National University from Astana (Kazakhstan), opened this year’s circle of visitors. She was followed on 10th September 2014 by Dr. Zabihullah Saipov from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Tashkent (Uzbekistan).
3.6. Participation of REEES staff in meetings and conferences
One important goal for REEES is staff development, i.e. how it encourages its staff members to par- ticipate in outside scholarly events and engage in the relevant discussions. While this line of activity is encouraged to the maximum, it also encounters significant financial limits.
From 19th to 20th September 2013 Zurab Simonishvili attended the conference “Relations be- tween the EU and Russia - Legal Dimension and Current Developments” in Passau (Germa- ny). The conference was organised by the University of Passau in collaboration with Deutsch- Russisches Juristisches Institut. On 8th November 2013 Prof. Krüßmann participated in the conference “Our Partner Russia II” organised by Österreichisch-Russische Gesellschaft in
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Graz. He gave a presentation on the topic “Tuition fees - often blocking and discriminatory for students from Russia”. From 13th to 17th November 2013 Prof. Krüßmann participated in the III. International Kazan' Scientific Forum “Islam in a Multicultural World” at the Federal Volga University Kazan (Ta- tarstan, Russian Federation). He delivered a paper in Russian on the subject "New Standards in Islamic Financing in Austria: On the Interplay between Islamic and Austrian Law". On 17th January 2014 Prof. Krüßmann attended the ACUNS Vienna Annual Conference “The Evolution of UN Policies” as a member of the jury. On 7th February 2014 during a trip to Kazan (Russian Federation) and after giving a lecture at the Law Faculty of the Kazan Federal University, Prof. Krüßmann was invited to the scientific seminar “Current models of state-confessional relations in Russia and abroad” where he gave a lecture on the topic of “Current Models of State-Confessional Relations in Russia and Abroad”. From 13th to 14th March 2014 Prof. Krüßmann participated in the ECCE Mundus “Central Asian and Central European Higher Education Forum” in Almaty, Kazachstan. He was joined by Meerim Aidarova who on 14th and 15th March presented the University of Graz at an EU- sponsored booth at a Higher Education Fair in Almaty (see 3.7.). On 6th June 2014 Prof. Krüßmann participated in the conference “EU, Russia and their Com- mon Neighbours: New Realities in the Making” at the Centre for EU-Russia Studies (CEU- RUS) University of Tartu. On 11th June 2014 Prof. Krüßmann was invited by the Ministry for European and Transatlantic Integration of the Republic of Georgia to participate in the conference “Georgia’s European Way” in Batumi. On 13th July 2014 Prof. Krüßmann moderated the roundtable on “Prospects and Challenges in the Development of European Studies for the Caucasus” at Shota Rustaveli State Univer- sity (Georgia). The main objective was the preparation of the founding of an “Association of European Studies for the Caucasus”. From 4th to 9th September 2014 Ani Harutyunyan participated in the European Society of In- ternational Law’s 10th Anniversary Conference “Boundaries of International Law and Bridges to other Fields and Disciplines” in Vienna. From 9th to 10th September 2014, Benedikt Harzl was involved in the TAIEX Study Visit of a Georgian governmental delegation to South Tyrol, Italy. For these government officials, Benedikt Harzl provided a lecture on the European Neighborhood Policy and Conflict Man- agement.
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3.7. Outreach / “Science to public”
Since REEES is still not very well-known outside the University of Graz, a significant effort has been devoted to outreach activities. Among them, the most important were: On 28th November 2013 Benedikt Harzl gave an interview to „Caucasus Times” on de facto statehood in the South Caucasus. On 2nd December 2013 Prof. Krüßmann gave an interview to radio “Stimme Russlands” about the chances of obtaining a higher education in Germany and Austria. On 20th January 2014, Benedikt Harzl gave an interview to the web-TV channel of the regional daily “Kleine Zeitung” on the situation in Ukraine. On 4th March 2014, Benedikt Harzl gave an interview to “Wirtschaftsnachrichten” (newspa- per of the Austrian chamber of commerce) on the economic consequences of the crisis in Ukraine. During his visit at the Law School of the Federal Volga University of Kazan’ on 6th February 2014 Prof. Krüßmann gave a lecture (in Russian) on the criminal liability of legal persons. On 6th March 2014 REEES co-organized with Kriminalmuseum the traditional lecture by Tat- jana Shukova, this time on the topic “Police Special Forces in Russia”. On 15th March 2014 Meerim Aidarova participated in the “International Education Fair” in Almaty, Kazakhstan where she presented study opportunities at the University of Graz. On 10th April 2014 REEES organised an expert discussion on “Crisis, Conflict and Confronta- tion: Ukraine at the Crossroads between the EU and Russia”. Distinguished experts both from Russia, Ukraine and from Austria, such as Prof. Nikolay Petrov, Prof. Hans-Georg Hein- rich and Prof. Mykola Ryabchuk discussed the roots, fundamental reasons and geopolitical considerations of the current crisis in/around Ukraine. On 3rd May 2014, Benedikt Harzl gave an interview for the regional daily “Kleine Zeitung” on the crisis in Ukraine. On 7th May 2014 REEES in co-operation with the Centre for Southeast European Studies or- ganised a guest lecture „Gender Equality Promotion in the South Caucasus: What Could be learned from the Balkans?” delivered by Marina Hughson, a visiting Professor at the University of Graz (Aigner-Rollett-Guest Professor for Women’s and Gender Studies). On 16th May 2014, Benedikt Harzl provided an in-house seminar on international relations and the crisis in Ukraine for pupils of the secondary school of Gleisdorf. On 23rd May 2014 the paper “Die Presse” published a commentary on the current Ukrainian crisis prepared by Benedikt Harzl jointly with the Dean of the Law Department of the Uni- versity of Graz, Prof. Dr. Joseph Marko. On 3rd June 2014 Prof. Krüßmann was one of three speakers at the discussion on the “Quo Vadis Russland?“.This talk was organized jointly by the President of the Styrian Parliament and the Rectorate of the University of Graz.
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On 17th June 2014 REEES offered a guest lecture on “Secular and Sharia Law: Models of In- teraction”, delivered by Prof. Dr. Leonid R. Syukiyaynen from Higher School of Economics, Moscow. Throughout the summer term 2014 Meerim Aidarova supported Ms. Anita Lackenberger and her film crew in preparing a documentary on concentration camps in Kazakhstan and Kyr- gyzstan. Previosuly, on 6th November 2013 Ms. Lackenberger presented her documentary “Women in the Soviet Gulag” in co-operation with MEGAPHONE Uni. As member of the advisory board of the Association “agpro – association of gay profession- als” Prof. Krüßmann now in the second year acted as juror and evaluated two submissions for the agpro research prize 2014.
4. Mid-term development plan
In the current situation, while the outcome of the evaluation is still open and the final decision of the Rectorate unknown, it is impossible to predict a long-term perspective. So whatever can be said about the mid-term is what remains to be done until the expiry of Prof. Krüßmann’s contract in summer 2015.
4.1. Grant applications
4.1.1. Horizon 2020
As described in Section 3.4., there are currently two Horizon2020 applications under discussion. Since the application deadline for both projects is 28th May 2015, both projects will figure prominent- ly among REEES activities in the winter term 2014/15. If they materialize, it will be up to the Rec- torate to decide how the University of Graz will realize its commitment.
4.1.2. Erasmus+
One important application coming up is the Jean Monnet Network application due on 26th March 2015. Based on the initiative of REEES, there had been an initial meeting in Batumi on 13th July 2014 to discuss the feasibility of creating an Association of European Studies for the Caucasus. Against the minimum requirement of 5 higher education institutions from 5 countries REEES managed to get support for this idea from the following institutions: 1. Yeditepe University (Istanbul, Turkey) 2. Ardahan University (Turkey) 3. North Caucasus Federal University (Stavropol, Russian Federation)
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4. Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University (Batumi, Georgia) 5. Tbilisi State University (Tbilisi, Georgia) 6. New Vision University (Tbilisi, Georgia) 7. Yerevan State University (Yerevan, Armenia) 8. Khazar University (Azerbaijan) 9. University of Tartu (Tartu, Estonia)
There is currently a questionnaire circulated among the founding members of the Association. The answers will be put together into a preliminary version of the application which will be put to discus- sion at a meeting scheduled for the second half of January 2015 in Istanbul.
An integral part of the agreement as to which activities the Association will commit itself to will be the fate of the proposed “Wider Europe Journal of Law & Politics”. If the journal can successfully be launched with an international publisher, it should become the Association’s “home journal”. Also, it is suggested to bring the summer / winter schools EULISC and EULINC under the umbrella of the As- sociation.
4.1.3. ERA.Net RUS Plus
REEES has been asked by Prof. Paul Schoukens of the Institute for Social Law of KU Leuven (Belgium) to participate in a multilateral project to conduct research into international standards of social secu- rity and migration and to compare the situation in the Russian Federation with that of several EU Member States. The deadline for the pre-proposal is 25 September 2014. REEES is now checking its eligibility to participate in the call under fwf rules and is also connecting the Leuven researchers with the REEES contacts in the region.
4.2. Outreach
4.2.1. Association of European Studies for the Caucasus
The aforementioned plan to apply for Jean Monnet Network funding in 2015 and to create an Asso- ciation of European Studies to cover the entire Caucasus region is one of REEES’ most ambitious pro- jects. Traditionally, the tasks of scholarly association for European Studies are performed by the Eu- ropean Community Studies Association (ECSA) to which a large number of national associations subscribe (see
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the level and visibility of European studies in all respective countries. With a view to the future, the Association of European Studies for the Caucasus should become part of ECSA.
Currently, after contacting more than 40 universities and institutions in the region, the following are the ones that actively subscribe to the process:
Armenia
Name, Surname Position E-Mail address
1 Prof. Dr. Director, Center for European Studies, [email protected]
Ghazinyan, Artur Yerevan State University
Professor of Political Science, Center for [email protected] Prof. Baibourtian, European Studies Armen
Azerbaijan
Name, Surname Position E-Mail address
Prof. Dr. Hajizada, Director, Department of Political Sci- [email protected] Mukhtar ence and International Relations
Georgia
Name, Surname Position E-Mail address 1 Prof. Dr. Gabrichidze, Professor in International Law, De- [email protected]
Gaga partment of Law,
New Vision University [email protected] Prof. Surmava, Lita 2 Lapiashvili, Nino Director, Institute for European Stud- [email protected] ies, Tbilisi State University 3 Prof. Dr. Makha- Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, [email protected] radze, Adam Business and Law
31
Russia
Name, Surname Position E-Mail address 1 Prof. Dr. Smirnov, Director of the Legal Institute, [email protected]
Dmitrij North Caucasus Federal University [email protected]
Dr. Trofimov , Mak- sim
Turkey
Name, Surname Position E-Mail address
1 Prof. Dr. Aşkaroğlu, Ardahan University [email protected] Vedi 2 Prof. Dr. Kabaalioglu, Dean, Yeditepe School of Law [email protected] Haluk
Germany
Name, Surname Position E-Mail address 1 Dr. Meyer, Thomas Head of GIZ South Caucasus [email protected]
Estonia
Name, Surname Position E-Mail address 1 Dr. Ehin, Piret Director CEURUS, University of Tartu [email protected] 2 Dr. Bogdanova, Olga Vice-Director of Academic Affairs, [email protected] European College, University of Tartu
Since the Association is proposed to act “for” the Caucasus, it is desirable to also have established members from the EU to join REEES in this endeavour.
4.2.2. Review of Central and East European Law
The University of Graz is a long-time collaborator with the Review of Central and East European Law, dating back to the time when the journal was edited in Trento (Italy). It is now agreed that by Octo- ber 2014 the editorial office will move to REEES and editorial assistance will be give by REEES staff.
32
REEES will thus be fully affiliated with the journal in addition to the position that Dean Marko and Prof. Borić hold on the editorial board.
33
ANNEX 1 Founding declaration
1. PREAMBLE
The University of Graz
Bearing in mind the role of the United Nations, the European Union and other international and regional organisations in political, economic, legal and other social and cultural fields,
Bearing also in mind the preamble of the Constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization which states that “since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed”,
Aware of the Statement of the President of the United Nations Security Council1 on Threats to International Peace and Security, in which the Council noted the growing concern regarding the serious threats posed in some cases by drug trafficking and transnational organised crime to international security in different regions of the world, and, in this context, further that drug trafficking and transnational organised crime contribute to undermine the authority of states,
Aware also of the United Nations General Assembly resolution 55/23 of 11 January 2001 which reminded of the specificities of each civilization and the United Nations Millennium Declaration of 8 September 2000 which considers, inter alia, that tolerance is one of the fundamental values essential to international relations in the twenty-first century and should include the active promotion of a culture of peace and dialogue among civilizations, with human beings respecting one another, in all their diversity of belief, culture and language, neither fearing nor repressing differences within and between societies but cherishing them as a precious asset of humanity,
Mindful of the United Nations General Assembly resolution 230/65 of 21 December 2010 (Annex) which recognized the centrality of crime prevention and the criminal justice system to the rule of law and stressed that long-term sustainable economic and social development and the establishment of a functioning, efficient, effective and humane criminal justice system have a positive influence on each other,
Emphasising the importance of co-operation with other parts of the world for better international and intercultural understanding, facilitating peace and security of mankind through education and training in the legal field,
Emphasising also the role of international, intergovernmental, non-governmental and civic organisations in building bridges among nations, peoples and cultures,
Emphasising finally the role of international and national educational and training institutions for national and international co-operation with the objective to optimise and co-ordinate research potential and field project expertise and their contributive role to facilitating peace and security through legal field programmes and projects, establishes the Russian East European and Eurasian Studies Centre (hereinafter “REEES”).
1 S/PRST/2010/4 of 24 February 2010. 2. SUBJECT
2.1. Objective
REEES has the objective to act as a catalyst in defining an international and intercultural research agenda with a view to fostering linkages between academic research and policy-oriented practical interventions. Its initial task is to optimise existing potentials for research programmes and project expertise within the Law Faculty of the University of Graz related to the target areas (see below section 2.3), which is to be followed by comprehensive inter-disciplinary research programmes both within the University of Graz and with academic partners, government and non-government organisations as well as other stakeholders in the target areas.
The vision of REEES is to transcend the boundaries of legal scholarship and rise to the complexity of social and cultural relations that form the background against which law operates. It, therefore, adopts a holistic approach to law, in particular with regard to the intercultural dimensions of collaborative work with the target areas.
2.2. Activities
REEES initializes, coordinates and supports regional research programmes and projects. It acts as an interface for country-specific as well as professional expertise regarding law in Eastern Europe and Eurasia. In addition, REEES acquires application-oriented contract research and harmonises it with existing resources of the related institutes and institutions at the University of Graz.
REEES manages its work at an advanced scientific level in research, education and training. The activities are carried out in the form of programmes and projects. REEES promotes the transfer of knowledge by disseminating its research results to intergovernmental and governmental institutions or agencies that are responsible for implementing co-operation strategies domestically and / or internationally.
2.3 Target areas
The geographical target areas of REEES in research, education and training programmes and projects are Russia, the countries in the Black Sea/Southern Caucasus region and Central Asia. The specific country-approach may vary, but apart from bilateral issues as defined from the perspective of the
Republic of Austria, regional approaches in line with the relevant EU strategies are given preference. The definition of target areas does not preclude that activities cover neighbouring countries and the relevant regions in a wider context as well.
3. CO-OPERATION
3.1. Intra-university co-operation
REEES adopts an interdisciplinary approach to its work and offers co-operation to all faculties and disciplines of the University of Graz with an interest in the target regions. In particular, it maintains close co-operation with inter-faculty institutions such as the Centre for South-East European Studies, the European Training and Research Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, and the Academy of New Media and Transfer of Knowledge.
3.2. Cooperation with institutions outside the University of Graz
REEES is member of international scholarly networks and cooperates with national and international government and non-government organisations.
4. LEGAL STATUS
4.1. Centre under § 15 Organisation Plan
The Rectorate establishes REEES as a Centre under § 15 of the Organisation Plan of the University of Graz, it belongs to the science branch of law. It reports to the Dean of the Law Faculty as well as to the Rector of the University.
4.2. Assignment of staff and academic output
University staff working at REEES that are not normally assigned to REEES but to other co-operating academic units of the University of Graz (hereinafter “Core Staff”) remain assigned to the respective academic units of the University of Graz (hereinafter “Home Institutes”) and report to the heads of these academic/organisational units. University staff assigned to REEES report to the REEES Director.
The provision of services by Core Staff at REEES is subject to a framework agreement drawn up with the heads of the co-operating academic units and agreed upon at the Faculty level. Besides, an agreement between the employee’s superior at the Home Institute, the REEES Director and the employee is required on the percentage of the working time the employee is assigned to REEES (in the case of employees who hold the titles of “o.Univ.-Prof.”, “Univ.-Prof.”, or “ao.Univ.-Prof.” the types of services they provide have to be indicated and a note that their duties and responsibilities at the
Home Institute remain unaffected has to be included). Details on the duties and responsibilities at REEES will be agreed upon by the REEES Director and the employee.
Staff for projects under §§ 26 to 28 University Act 2002 (Universitätsgesetz 2002) are assigned to REEES and report to the REEES Director in matters concerning employment and to the project director in matters concerning the project.
REEES agrees to acknowledge in all published works, publications, and on all websites that the centre is an entity of the University of Graz.
4.3. Internal structure
REEES is established within the Dean’s Office of the Law Faculty of the University of Graz. It is chaired by a Director; its staff includes programme officers and secretarial support. Depending on external funding there are prae-doc as well as post-doc researchers working on individual projects.
4.4. Director
The REEES Director is the head of the Centre and represents it. In order to carry out the duties and responsibilities attached to the office of REEES Director the Rector authorises the REEES Director to: 1. Acquire assets and rights through gratuitous legal transactions; 2. Accept external funding; 3. Conclude agreements on academic and non-academic work; 4. Use assets and rights acquired in accordance with the foregoing paragraphs 1 to 3 in line with the objectives of REEES.
The REEES Director ensures that the foreseen activities of REEES are carried out in accordance with legal requirements and internal rules and regulations of the University of Graz, in particular with the authorisation directive (Bevollmächtigungs-Richtlinie) of the University of Graz. § 27 University Act 2002 (Universitätsgesetz 2002) applies accordingly. 4.5. Deputy Director
On proposal of the REEES Director, the Rector appoints a Deputy Director. The Deputy Director represents the REEES Director when the latter is absent or otherwise unable to act for a longer period of time until the appointment of a new or interim REEES Director.
4.6. Advisory Board
REEES is supported in meeting its objectives by advisory boards. Advisory boards can be established both on a programme basis and for the entire REEES as such. A Model Statute for Advisory Boards is annexed hereto.
4.7. Provision of services and reimbursement of costs When REEES uses staff and equipment of the University of Graz for projects under §§ 26 to 28 University Act 2002 (Universitätsgesetz 2002), REEES reimburses the University in accordance with the guidelines on the reimbursement of costs incurred by projects under §§ 26 to 28 University Act 2002 (Universitätsgesetz 2002), as amended. Where reimbursement is based on a lump sum, costs of services that are standard services by the University of Graz and that are provided by REEES itself are deducted.
REEES reimburses the University of Graz all costs borne by the University but incurred by REEES project activities under §§ 26 to 28 University Act 2002 (Universitätsgesetz 2002).
The Dean and the REEES Director specifically agree on all payments to REEES in the agreement on objectives. Services REEES provides to the University of Graz and the coverage of costs incurred by REEES are specified in the agreement on objectives.
If REEES funds are insufficient due to no or low revenues, the University of Graz reserves the right to use all assets/funds assigned to REEES or funds suitable according to the provisions of the University Act 2002 (Universitätsgesetz 2002) to cover the Centre’s accounts payable. In the case of insufficient funds, the REEES Director immediately submits a restructuring plan and/or a plan detailing actions to cover shortfalls to the Dean. Funds acquired from external sources are available to REEES subject to earmarks.
4.8. Agreement on objectives
The REEES Director concludes agreements on objectives with the Dean.
4.9. External funding REEES uses funds secured from external sources in accordance with the objectives of the Centre, unless these funds are earmarked for specific use (projects under § 28 University Act 2002 [Universitätsgesetz 2002]).
4.10. Quality management/Evaluation
Quality management guidelines of the University of Graz fully apply to REEES. The first evaluation of REEES will be carried out three years after its establishment and then at intervals of three years. If REEES is evaluated negatively, the Rector and the Dean of the Faculty of Law will mutually decide on maintaining or dissolving the Centre.
5. EFFECTIVE DATE The Rectorate decided to establish REEES on 3rd November 2011. The Founding Declaration enters into force on the day following its publication in the official gazette (Mitteilungsblatt) of the University of Graz.
ANNEX 2 Statute of the Advisory Board
1. GENERAL PROVISIONS (1) The Advisory Board of the Russian Eastern European and Eurasian Studies Centre (the Centre is hereinafter referred to as “REEES”) assists REEES in achieving its goals as laid down by its Terms of Reference. (2) The Advisory Board is a consultative body that provides the platform with recommendations on improvement of the REEES work programme. (3) The Advisory Board activity is regulated by the laws of Austria, the bye-laws of the University of Graz, and this Statute.
2. ADVISORY BOARD OBJECTIVES AND MANDATE
(1) The Advisory Board’s objectives and mandates are: to co-ordinate positions and to build approaches towards solving mandated issues in the field of Russian, Eastern European and Eurasian legal, international and inter-cultural co- operation; to provide recommendations on improving the existing REEES work programme, as determined by the University of Graz, to ensure cohesion of the mandated issues and the work programme; to provide recommendations on the medium- and long-term REEES development strategy in the areas of legal, international and intercultural research co-operation, in accordance with the major areas of the REEES work programme; to provide expert assessment of the REEES work programme ;
(2) The Advisory Board, in particular, provides advice: on enlargement and improvement of the existing range of available services; to the project team of REEES on how to achieve the project objectives; on the dissemination of the research results and the opening of pathways for further use of the acquired expert knowledge; on mainstreaming of project results to the relevant decision makers; on facilitating the maintenance of contacts to stakeholders, universities, research institutions, governmental organisations and NGOs on national and international level.
3. ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS (1) A maximum of ten personalities in their individual capacity, prospectively contributing to a balanced out international and inter-cultural approach to Russian, Eastern European and Eurasian studies and pragmatic action, will be the members of the Advisory Board. These personalities are selected by REEES and appointed by the Rector or on his/her behalf. (2) The term of the entire Advisory Board is limited to 5 years beginning with the date its last individual member is appointed. The term is renewable for one additional 5 year term after the expiration of the first appointment. (3) Subsequent Advisory Board members are selected by the Advisory Board and appointed by the Rector or on his/her behalf, on the same principle. (4) Members of administrative bodies of REEES, the REEES Director and his / her staff as well as University Auditors may not become members of the Advisory Board. (5) A member of the Advisory Board has the right to cancel his/her membership at any time. (6) An Executive Secretary organises the activities of the Advisory Board. The Executive Secretary is selected among Advisory Board members or REEES staff members. (7) The Executive Secretary is responsible for: • organising the activity of the Advisory Board; • preparing Advisory Board meetings, informing Board members of time and place of the meetings; • carrying out Advisory Board meetings; • submitting to the Advisory Board’s consideration suggestions on its activity plan; • preparing and conducting routine documentation of the Advisory Board activities including protocols, legalization and mailing of the Board’s decisions; • preparing reports about the activities of the Advisory Board and decisions made at the meetings for the Rector and the REEES Director.
4. OBSERVER STATUS In addition to regular Advisory Board membership, REEES can offer an observer status to interested individuals, undertakings and international organisations. Observers may participate in the Advisory Board meetings, but without the right of casting a vote.
5. CHAIRPERSON OF THE ADVISORY BOARD (1) Upon the founding of REEES, the Rector appoints a chairperson ad interim who will assist the REEES Director with inviting suitable candidates for membership in the Advisory Board. At the first Advisory Board meeting, to be held approximately one year after the creation of REEES, the Advisory Board will elect its Chairperson by a simple majority vote. (2) The Chairperson prepares the agenda for the Advisory Board meetings and maintains liaison with the Advisory Board members in the intervals between meetings.
6. ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS (1) The Advisory Board meets once a year for at least one working day. A special meeting must be initiated by a group of at least one half of its members or the Director of REEES. (2) The meetings of the Advisory Board are conducted and recorded in English. (3) The University provides relevant conference facilities and interpretation services from/to English to/from German and Russian for the meetings of the Advisory Board, as appropriate. (4) Meetings of the Advisory Board may be organised in absentia through the use of electronic means of communication and consequent legalization of decisions on paper media. (5) The activities of the Advisory Board are organised in accordance with work programme plans, meeting agendas are developed by the Board with consideration to REEES and its Director. (6) Results of the Advisory Board’s activities are presented in the form of decisions. (7) The Advisory Board is authorised to make decisions in instances when at least one half of its members are present. (8) Decisions are made by simple majority vote from the number of those present and are signed by the Executive Secretary. (9) Each Advisory Board member has one vote during voting at meetings. (10) The Advisory Board may organise workgroups within its structure to address specific mandated issues or activity areas. Workgroup reports are delivered at the Advisory Board meetings and, in case of their approval, will be formalised as Advisory Board decisions. (11) The Advisory Board may invite competent experts to attend its meetings in order to consider the most difficult matters. Experts take part in Advisory Board meetings and have the right of a deliberative vote. (12) The Advisory Board may be dismissed if and when the Rector, after consultation with the Director of REEES, determines and communicates this in writing to the Chairperson of the Advisory Board. (13) Participation of the Advisory Board member in the REEES meeting(s) is possible if and when the University covers the member’s daily subsistence allowance and travel costs.
ANNEX 3 Table of contents of “Moving Beyond ‘Kosovo’”
Acknowledgements
Preface
Christian Buchmann, Regional Minister for Economic Affairs, Europe and Culture, Government of Styria
Styria – Region Unlimited
A. Introduction by the Editor
B. Black Sea and the South Caucasus: Using the Southeast European Integration Experience as a Toolbox for the European Neighbourhood Policy
Benedikt Harzl: Potentials and Shortcomings for Conflict Resolution in the Caucasus: The European Neighbourhood Policy
Vanda Amaro Dias: EU Relations with Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus: Towards the Eastern Partnership Policy
Gvantsa Davitashvili: Benefits of the New Treaty Basis for “Neigbourhood Agreements” with Moldova, Ukraine and the Countries of the South Caucasus
C. Regional Powers and their Interplay with the EU’s Strategy in the Black Sea and the South Caucasus Regions
Elizaveta Samoilova: Poking the Bear? Russia and the EU in the Black Sea Region
Sezen Ergen Breitegger and Ani Harutyunyan: Turkey, Black Sea and the EU: Where Titans Clash
D. Signature Issues in the EU Integration of South Eastern Europe and their Relevance for the Black Sea and South Caucasus Regions
Lorin-Johannes Wagner: Awarding Union Citizenship: National Citizenship in the Context of a “Common” EU Immigration Policy
Eugenia Mocanu: EU Visa Liberalization vs. National Citizenship Laws and Policies
Aleqsandre Devidze: Judicial Activism of Constitutional Courts as a Means of Promoting EU Integration: The Case of Georgia
Romina Beqiri and Sloboda Midorović: Ending Impunity in the South Caucasus: The Challenges Ahead
Aleksandra Šaranović: Restitution of Property to Displaced Persons in Post-Conflict Situations
Nino Lapiashvili: Corruption and Organized Crime in Frozen Conflict Areas: The Case of Georgia
Aelita Orhei and Lita Surmava: Towards Harmonisation in State Aid: The Case of Moldova and Georgia
List of Contributors
List of Abbreviations
ANNEX 4
Invitation to join the CASCADE Caucasus Research Network
Brussels/Madrid/Paris, 3 July 2014
Concerns: invitation to join the CASCADE Caucasus Research Network
Dear Mr. Krüssmann,
It is with great pleasure that we invite you to join our newly established CASCADE Caucasus Research Network. The network will be part of the ‘Exploring the Security- Democracy Nexus in the Neighbourhood (CASCADE)’ project, funded by the European Commission via the FP7 programme from 2014 to 2017. The project will be implemented by ten universities and think-tanks from Europe, Russia and the South Caucasus. The project will analyse the root causes of conflict and insecurity in Caucasian states and societies; conduct synergetic research on democracy and security in the Caucasus; examine the links between the region and its wider neighbourhood; provide forward-looking analysis on regional security and democratisation processes; and develop a set of proposals on how the EU could enhance its role in the region. For more information please visit: cascade-caucasus.eu
Given the importance of the issues addressed, we believe that the CASCADE project should not be limited to 3 years only. We have therefore decided to create a new network between academics and civil society experts on Caucasus-related matters. This invitation has been sent to a selected group of leading experts on Caucasus developments and the relationship of the region with neighbouring countries and regions, foremost the European Union.
The network hopes to attract members from Europe, the Caucasus and neighboring countries, although not exclusively. The network’s key objective is to merge academic research and insights with policy-oriented approaches in order to create a knowledge hub that can have a direct bearing on European (and other) policies concerning the Caucasus.
At an initial stage, we plan to start by offering network members the following services:
C/ Felipe IV, 9 – 1º Dcha. • 28014 MADRID • España Tel. +34 91 244 47 40 – [email protected] www.fride.org
• Information on CASCADE activities, progress and publications while seeking advice and ideas from network members;
• Invitations to attend all CASCADE roundtables, seminars and conferences (in some cases travel and accommodation costs can be covered);
• The possibility for network members to advertise their own Caucasus-related publications (commentaries, policy briefs, working papers, and conference announcements) on the CASCADE website (with respective links to the original publication).
While for the time being no concrete budget has been defined for network meetings and joint activities beyond those already planned under the project, we are working to attract funding in the future so to meet on a regular basis and work together on projects and research.
We would be delighted if you would be interested in joining us.
We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience and please do not hesitate to forward us any queries that you might have.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. L. Delcour J.U. Boonstra CASCADE Project Coordinator FRIDE Senior Researcher FMSH, Paris, France FRIDE, Madrid, Spain [email protected] [email protected]
C/ Felipe IV, 9 – 1º Dcha. • 28014 MADRID • España Tel. +34 91 244 47 40 – [email protected] www.fride.org
ANNEX 5
Flyer Winter School EULINC 2014
FEES/ACCOMMODATION The total participation fee is 150 EURO covering course costs, tuition, food and accommodation for eleven days. Travel arrangements have to be made and paid for indi- vidually.
PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS • North Caucasus Federal University • University of Graz, Austria • European External Action Service
INNOVATIVE TEACHING METHODOLOGY PROGRAMME In the week preceding the Winter School lecturers will MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT/SUN MON TUE WED THU introduce themselves and the subject-matter of their 3.2. 4.2. 5.2. 6.2. 7.2. 8.2./9.2. 10.2. 11.2. 12.2. 13.2 teaching via Facebook. Participants are encouraged to 10.00-12.00 Arrival and External Foundations The EU and EU Conflict Sightseeing Unification of Students’ Closing Cer- join the group “EULINC” and share with colleagues the transfer to Action of the of WTO Law Conflict Man- Management Pyatigorsk Civil Rights Conference emony and latest class materials. In addition, guest lectures may be hotel EU Tyurina agement in the Post- in the EU and Presentation Award of Samoilova Harzl Soviet Space Russia of research Certificates streamed via internet. During the Winter School partici- Harzl Savina results pants will work on individual research topics, go through individual tutoring sessions and present their research Lunch Welcome findings at a Students’ Conference at the end of the EU LAW IN THE 12.00-13.00 Guided tour Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Event Pyatigorsk School. Teaching will include a role play on conflict man- Trip to NORTH CAUCASUS Dombay Legal Status Guided tour agement. Foundations Russia and Mountain of Refugees to Medovye EU External the WTO Students’ (EULINC) of EU Law Guided tour Role Play Range and IDP’s in Vodopady Policies and the EU and Conference and European Tyurina Kislovodsk Conflict (Skiing, etc.) (Honey HOW TO APPLY 15.00-18.00 EU-Russia Russia Departure Integration Group work Tutoring 2 Management waterfalls) Presentation relations of research Mickonyte Harzl Avanesova Tutoring 4 Application is open to students of law, political science, Samoilova Tutoring 1 Mickonyte results Tutoring 3 international relations and related fields. Please send WINTER SCHOOL Samoilova Mickony te / Harzl Harzl your CV and letter of motivation until 15 January 2014 to: 2014 18.00-20.00 Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner [email protected]
20.00 Free time Guest lecture Free time Guest lecture Free time Free time Guest lecture Free time DESCRIPTION TEACHING BODY
The North-Caucasus Federal University of Stavropol • Thomas Kruessmann, Prof. Dr. iur. LL.M., Director Rus- (Russia) in cooperation with the University of Graz (Aus- sian East European & Eurasian Studies Centre, Uni- tria) is organizing the first annual Winter School on versity of Graz EU Law in the North Caucasus (EULINC). Drawing on • Benedikt Harzl, Ass. Professor, Russian East European the successful experience of the EU-financed Summer & Eurasian Studies Centre, University of Graz School EULISC (EU Law in the South Caucasus) which is annually held in Batumi (Georgia), this Winter School is • Ani Harutyunyan, Lecturer, Russian East European & designed to spread knowledge on EU Law and EU-Russia Eurasian Studies Centre, University of Graz relations also across the Northern side of the Caucasus • Elizaveta Samoilova, Lecturer, University of Graz mountain divide. • Aiste Mickonyte, Lecturer, Institute of European Law, The Winter School will host approximately 20 students University of Graz from all countries of the wider Caucasus region as well • Natalya Tyurina, Lecturer, Chair for International and as from Europe and will offer a platform to discuss and European Law, Kazan’ Federal University elaborate on current topics in the field of EU law with le- • Viktoriya Savina, Lecturer, Chair for Civil Law and Civil The North-Caucasus Federal Univer- gal and political relevance for EU-Russia relations. Aca- Procedure, North Caucasus Federal University ABOUT THE PROGRAMME sity was founded based on Decree by demic experts and scholars from both Europe and Russia • Anna Avanesova, Lecturer, Chair for Constitutional and President of Russian Federation № 958 will teach lectures, which will feed into each other by International Law, North Caucasus Federal University (July 18, 2011) and Order by Govern- raising the contemporary challenges that emerge in EU- The teaching will provide fundamental knowledge of the ment of Russian Federation № 226-р Russia interaction. history and the legal aspects of European Integration, (February 22, 2012), as the result of a EULINC will take place in Pyatigorsk, a traditional Rus- European External Action and the dimension of EU-Rus- merge of the three universities located in the Stavropol sian spa location, beautifully located at the Caucasus sia relations. In a complementary way, lectures will also Region – the North-Caucasus State Technical University; mountain range with a gorgeous view on the snow-cov- focus on Russia and the WTO and an analysis of Russian the Stavropol State University, and the Pyatigorsk Hu- ered summit of Mount Elbrus. It is targeted towards ambi- strategies of supranational cooperation with the succes- manities-Technological University. This institution is not tious students of the wider Caucasus region and Europe, sor states of the Soviet Union. Apart from these basic only rated as one of the largest educational institutions who want to improve their knowledge on the subjects of lectures, common European and Russian challenges of the region yet it also is a unique site for numerous this Winter School by learning and discussing these is- such as religious diversity, migration and conflict man- scientific and innovation projects, the leading arena for sues in the beautiful, vibrant and multi-cultural context agement will be discussed as well as specific modules. intercultural dialogue both within the region and beyond, of the North Caucasus. The following topics will therefore be covered: and is a leading force contributing to the sustainable re- gional development through educational, cultural, and • Introduction to European law and scientific links both within the North Caucasus Federal European integration District and with the neighbouring countries. • EU-Russia relations • Russia and the WTO The University of Graz, which was • Eurasian integration processes founded in 1585, is Austria’s second old- • Effects of labour migration est university and one of the largest in the country. Many excellent scientists, • EU Conflict Management in the Post-Soviet Space amongst them six Nobel laureates, have • Legal Status of Refugees and Internally Displaced taught and researched here. With some Persons 31,500 students and 3,900 employees the University of Graz contributes significantly to the vibrating life of the Styrian capital. Its location in Europe encourages a lively scientific, economic and cultural exchange with South- East Europe, from which not only the city benefits, but also its educational institutions.
IMPRINT Publisher: REEES, University of Graz © 2014 Editor: XXX | Design: Roman Klug, University of Graz Photo Credit: XXXX
ANNEX 6
Flyer Summer School EULISC 2014
Fees/Accommodation The total participation fee is GEL 290 / EURO 120 covering course costs, tuition, breakfast, lunch and accommodation. The participants will be provided with the accommodation in Batumi Globus Hostel, Mazniashvili Street 58 (near Pi- azza). Travel arrangements have to be made and paid for individually.
Participating Institutions • Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Georgia • University of Graz, Austria • European External Action Service
Supported by • the Mayor of City of Batumi and the Department of Sport and Youth Affairs of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara • EU Lifelong Learning Programme / Jean Monnet Teach- EU LAW IN THE SOUTH ing Module CAUCASUS PROGRAMME EULISC BATUMI 12 – 23 JULY 2014 About Batumi/Why Batumi: (EULISC) Batumi is the optimal location for hosting this summer FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED school. As a port and resort, Batumi has had a long his- 11.7. 12.7. 13.7 14.7. 15.7. 16.7. 17.7. 18.7. 19.7. 20.7. 21.7. 22.7. 23.7. tory of connecting Europe with the Caucasus and serves as SUMMER SCHOOL 9:00 Arrival of Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast a model and inspiration for European values in which the Partici- recognition of difference and cultural heterogeneity is not pants 2014 10.00 Mickonytė Wagner Wagner Isak Isak Free time Free time Harzl Baibour- Harutyun- Closing seen as a weakness, but as the indispensable guiding idea Evolution Founda- Founda- External External Legal tian, yan Ceremony of “Unity in Diversity”. and tions of EU tions of EU Relations Relations Aspects of Security in Introduc- and Award 11.00 Opening of Politics Law (1) Law (2) of the EU of the EU Security in the South tion to of Certifi- EULISC of the (1) (3) the South Caucasus role play cates How to apply European Caucasus (2) 12.00 Prepara- Integra- (1) tion for Application is open to students of law, political science, in- tion (1) the role ternational relations and related fields who are in the third 13.00 Lunch, Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch, Lunch Lunch play by Departure or fourth year of their bachelor studies, and master stu- free time free time students dents, likewise students from 3rd to 5th year of traditional 14.00 Sightsee- legal degree studies (“specialist”). Please send your CV and ing letter of motivation until 30 April 2014 to [email protected] 15.00 Mickonytė Wagner Isak Baibour- Harzl Tutoring Tutoring External tian, Legal Relations Security in Aspects of 16.00 of the EU Guest Guest the South Security in Role play (2) Lecture 2 lecture 3 Caucasus the South on securi- (1) Caucasus ty issues 17.00 Mickonytė (2) Evolution and 18.00 Wel- Politics Free time Free time Free time Free time Free time Free time coming of the dinner European 19.00 Guest Free time Guest Free time Integra- Lecture 1 Lecture 4 tion (2) 20.00 DESCRIPTION TEACHING BODY
The University of Graz (Austria) together with the Shota • Thomas Kruessmann, Prof. Dr. iur. LL.M., Director Russian Rustaveli University Batumi (Georgia) is organizing the sec- East European & Eurasian Studies Centre, University of ond annual Summer School on EU Law in the South Cau- Graz casus (EULISC). This summer school will host 25 students • Hubert Isak, Professor at the Institute for European Law from all countries of the wider Caucasus region as well as at the University of Graz from Europe and will offer a platform to discuss and elabo- • Armen Baibourtian, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Ar- rate on current topics in the field of EU law with legal and menia, is Professor at Yerevan State University and Sen- political relevance for the states of the South Caucasus. ior adviser to the UN RC/UNDP RR in Armenia Academic experts from both Europe and the Caucasus will • Benedikt Harzl, Assistant Professor at the Russian East combine to teach EU law with the specific environment of European & Eurasien Studies Centre, University of Graz the region in mind. • Lorin-Johannes Wagner, Assistant Professor at the Insti- The EU strives to define an overall strategy that combines tute for European Law, University of Graz the support for democracy in the countries of the region and • Aistė Mickonytė, Assistant Professor at the Institute of a peaceful resolution to its protracted conflicts. Hence, a European Law, University of Graz specific emphasis will be placed on the legal instruments ABOUT THE PROGRAMME of the EU at work in its Eastern Partnership policy. In this • Ani Harutyunyan, Assistant Professor at the Russian East way, this summer school will deal with those contemporary European & Eurasian Studies Centre, University of Graz legal challenges which are both actual and relevant to the The teaching will provide concise, yet fundamental knowl- EU-South Caucasus context. The summer school is targeted edge of the history and the legal aspects of European in- towards young students of the South Caucasus and Europe tegration. In addition, a special focus will be given to the as future practitioners and decision-makers dealing with development of the EU as an international actor, specific the region. external policies and the EU’s relations with strategic part- ners and international organizations on the global and re- gional level, especially the countries of the Southern Cauca- sus. The following lectures will therefore be held:
• Introduction to European Integration • Foundations of EU Law • External Relations of the EU, with special focus on the South Caucasus • Security and Legal Aspects of Security in the South Caucasus
IMPRINT Publisher: REEES, University of Graz © 2014 Editor: Thomas Kruessmann | Artwork: Roman Klug, University of Graz Photo Credit: Shota Rustaveli State University, Department of Tourism of Ajara A.R.